Geograpy of Kottarakkara Block Panchayat

Kottarakkara Block Panchayat is a major local administrative body situated in the central part of the Kollam district.

1. Boundaries and Location

Part of the Kottarakkara Taluk, this Block Panchayat is located in the midland (Malanad) region of Kollam.

  • North: Vettikavala Block Panchayat
  • West: Chittumala and Mukhathala Block Panchayats
  • South: Ithikkara and Chadayamangalam Block Panchayats

The terrain is characterized by hills and slopes.

 

2. Grama Panchayats Under Its Jurisdiction

The geographical boundaries of the Kottarakkara Block Panchayat are defined by the 5 Grama Panchayats under it:

  1. Veliyam
  2. Pooyappally
  3. Kareepra
  4. Ezhukone
  5. Neduvathoor

     

3. Area and Topography
  • Area: The Block Panchayat spans an area of approximately 133.1 square kilometers.

  • Topography: In terms of Kerala's geographical classification, this area falls under the Midland category. The landscape features a mix of plains, small hills, and valleys. The soil is fertile, consisting mainly of a blend of laterite and black soil.

     

4. Water Resources

The geographical importance of this region is enhanced by its streams and water bodies. Tributaries of the Kallada River and various local streams (such as those flowing into the sub-tributaries of the Ithikkara River) enrich the local agriculture. Additionally, canals of the Kallada Irrigation Project (KIP) pass through parts of this block.

 

5. Climate and Agriculture
  • Climate: The region generally experiences a tropical climate. It has hot summers (March to May) and receives heavy rainfall during both the Southwest (Idavappathy) and Northeast (Thulavarsham) monsoons.

  • Agriculture: Suited to the local terrain, the major crops cultivated here are rubber, tapioca (cassava), coconut, black pepper, paddy, and various tuber crops. Rubber plantations cover the hilly areas, while paddy fields (many of which have now shifted to other crops) can be seen in the valleys.

     

6. Transport Connectivity

Geographically, the Kottarakkara region is situated at a highly strategic crossroads. National Highway 744 (NH 744 - Kollam-Thirumangalam) and parts of the Main Central (MC) Road pass close to it. The Kollam–Sengottai railway line also runs through major areas within this block, such as Ezhukone.